Glendronach 40 y.o. - Oloroso & PX Sherry Casks

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 43.9% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

The 2025 edition is the first GlenDronach bottling with a 40-year age statement outside the rare single-cask releases issued previously. Selected casks from 1978, 1983 and 1984 were brought together for this release.

The whiskies first matured in Spanish Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. They were then brought together and transferred to a first-fill PX puncheon and a second-fill Oloroso puncheon for a further period of marrying. The entire maturation process lasted more than four decades and took place in traditional dunnage warehouses. The casks were carefully monitored throughout their development, and Master Blender Rachel Barrie made the final selection at peak maturity.

The release is limited to 300 bottles worldwide and was bottled at its natural cask strength of 43.9%. It retains its natural colour and is non-chill-filtered. The dark-stained rosewood presentation box features brass handles and a gold-coloured base.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: On the nose, black cherry, stewed plum and blackberry combine with sherry-soaked chocolate cake and an aromatic coffee essence.
• Palate: On the palate, blackcurrant and blackberry compote build to an intense crescendo. Prune and raisin wine intertwine with velvety chocolate espresso and cinnamon.
• Finish: The finish is exceptionally long, with rich fruit notes and the complex influence of the sherry casks continuing to linger.

Distillery/Bottler:

James Allardice founded The GlenDronach in 1826 together with local farmers in the Valley of Forgue in the Scottish Highlands. From the outset, he favoured sherry casks from Jerez de la Frontera, establishing an approach that the distillery continues to pursue today.

The GlenDronach ferments in traditional wooden washbacks made from Scottish larch and distils in its characteristically saxophone-shaped stills. Maturation takes place in traditional dunnage warehouses. Pedro Ximénez casks contribute opulent dark fruit, while Oloroso casks add drier, nuttier accents; their interplay with the robust Highland spirit lies at the heart of the distillery’s style.

Facts: